About Big Time Gaming
Big Time Gaming (BTG) is the Australian studio that changed the online slot industry forever. Founded in Sydney in 2011 by Nik Robinson, a veteran of the land-based casino gaming industry, BTG invented the Megaways mechanic — a dynamic reel system offering up to 117,649 ways to win on every spin. This single innovation has become one of the most widely adopted mechanics in online slot history.
Despite having a catalogue of only around 30 slots, BTG's impact on the industry is immeasurable. They licensed the Megaways mechanic to other providers, spawning hundreds of Megaways titles from studios like Pragmatic Play, Red Tiger, Blueprint Gaming, and more. The term "Megaways" has become synonymous with high-quality, high-volatility slot gameplay.
In 2021, Evolution Gaming Group acquired Big Time Gaming, bringing them into the same family as NetEnt and Nolimit City. BTG holds licences from the Malta Gaming Authority and the UK Gambling Commission, and their games are available at the majority of online casinos serving Irish players.
Top 5 Big Time Gaming Games in Ireland
1. Bonanza Megaways
The original Megaways slot and the game that started a revolution. Set in a gold mine, Bonanza features six reels with two to seven symbols each, creating up to 117,649 ways to win. Cascading wins remove winning symbols and drop new ones in, while the Carts on Conveyor above the main reels add an extra four symbols. Free spins with an unlimited win multiplier that increases with every cascade deliver the game's biggest payouts. RTP: 96.00%.
2. Extra Chilli Megaways
The spicy sequel to Bonanza that added the Bonus Buy feature. Set in a Mexican marketplace, Extra Chilli retains the 117,649 Megaways engine with cascading wins and adds a gamble feature where you can risk your free spins to win more. The Extra Chilli feature can add up to four additional free spins. Bold, colourful, and just as volatile as its predecessor. RTP: 96.15%.
3. White Rabbit Megaways
An Alice in Wonderland-inspired slot that pushes the Megaways mechanic even further. The Extending Reels feature can expand reels to hold up to 12 symbols each, pushing the maximum ways to win far beyond the standard 117,649. The Caterpillar Bonus awards free spins with cupcake features that extend reel heights. Imaginative design with extraordinary win potential. RTP: 97.72%.
4. Kingmaker Megaways
A medieval-themed slot that combines the Megaways engine with multiple bonus features. The Crown symbol triggers free spins, while the unique Gemstone feature adds multipliers to winning symbols. During free spins, multipliers carry over and accumulate across cascades, building tremendous win potential. A polished, feature-rich Megaways experience. RTP: 96.65%.
5. Danger! High Voltage Megaways
Based on the Electric Six song, this electrifying slot brings the Megaways treatment to one of BTG's earlier hits. Two free spin modes — Gates of Hell and High Voltage — offer different wild mechanics and multiplier systems. The game's irreverent style, catchy soundtrack, and generous bonus features make it a hugely entertaining experience. RTP: 96.39%.
The Megaways Mechanic Explained
The Megaways mechanic is Big Time Gaming's revolutionary contribution to online slots, and understanding how it works is key to appreciating their games:
- Dynamic Reels: Instead of fixed symbol positions, each reel displays a random number of symbols on every spin (typically between two and seven). This means the number of ways to win changes with every spin, ranging from 64 ways at minimum to 117,649 ways at maximum on a standard six-reel setup.
- Cascading Wins: Nearly all Megaways slots use cascading (or tumble) wins. When a winning combination lands, the winning symbols are removed and new symbols fall from above. This cascade continues until no new wins form, allowing multiple wins from a single spin.
- Win Multipliers: During free spins in most Megaways slots, each cascade increases a win multiplier by 1x. Since cascades can chain together for many consecutive wins, the multiplier can reach substantial levels, dramatically increasing the value of later wins in a sequence.
- Licensing Model: BTG licenses the Megaways mechanic to other providers, who create their own games using the engine. This has resulted in hundreds of Megaways titles across the industry, including Gonzita's Quest Megaways (NetEnt), Gates of Olympus Megaways (Pragmatic Play), and many more.
Industry Impact
It is difficult to overstate Big Time Gaming's impact on the online slot industry. Before Megaways, slots typically offered fixed paylines or fixed ways-to-win. The dynamic reel system fundamentally changed what was possible, and the mechanic's massive popularity has led to a wave of Megaways titles from providers worldwide.
By licensing the Megaways mechanic rather than keeping it exclusive, BTG ensured that their innovation became an industry standard. This licensing model has generated significant revenue while simultaneously establishing Megaways as one of the most recognised terms in online gaming. For Irish players, this means a huge selection of Megaways games from multiple providers at almost every online casino.
Mobile Compatibility
All Big Time Gaming slots are built with HTML5 and fully optimised for mobile play. Despite the complexity of the Megaways mechanic with its variable reel sizes, the games perform smoothly on smartphones and tablets. Touch controls are intuitive, and the dynamic animations that show reels expanding and contracting work seamlessly on smaller screens.
Where to Play Big Time Gaming in Ireland
Big Time Gaming slots are widely available at online casinos serving Irish players:
Best Welcome Bonus Casinos
Megaways slots are high-volatility by nature, so a generous welcome bonus gives you the bankroll depth needed to experience their full potential. Look for matched deposits that you can use on BTG titles.
View Top CasinosFast Withdrawal Casinos
When Bonanza's cascading multipliers deliver a massive win, you want fast access to your funds. Choose a casino with quick processing times for withdrawals of all sizes.
View Fast Payout CasinosCasinos with Megaways Collections
For the full range of BTG originals plus Megaways titles from licensed providers, choose a casino with a comprehensive game library. Many casinos have dedicated Megaways categories for easy browsing.
Browse Slot ReviewsBig Time Gaming FAQ
Megaways is a patented dynamic reel mechanic invented by Big Time Gaming. Instead of fixed symbol positions, each reel displays a random number of symbols (usually two to seven) on every spin. This creates a variable number of ways to win, up to 117,649 on a standard six-reel setup. The mechanic is now licensed to many other providers.
Yes, Big Time Gaming invented and patented the Megaways mechanic. They first used it in their own games like Bonanza and then licensed it to other providers. Today, dozens of studios have created their own Megaways titles using BTG's licensed engine, making it one of the most influential innovations in online slot history.
Bonanza Megaways is widely considered the best and most iconic Megaways slot. As the original game that introduced the mechanic, it set the standard that all subsequent Megaways titles have followed. However, White Rabbit Megaways is also highly regarded for pushing the mechanic further with its extending reels feature, and Extra Chilli Megaways is praised for its gamble feature.
Yes, most Megaways slots are high to very high volatility. The dynamic reel system means that the maximum number of ways only occurs occasionally, and the biggest wins typically come during free spins with accumulated multipliers. This makes Megaways games more suited to players who are comfortable with higher variance and managing their bankroll accordingly.
Yes, Evolution Gaming Group acquired Big Time Gaming in 2021. BTG now operates within the Evolution family alongside NetEnt and Nolimit City. Despite the acquisition, Big Time Gaming continues to develop games under its own brand and maintains its distinctive creative direction. The Megaways licensing program continues to operate as before.